Irreversible Binomials: Definition, Types with examples

Irreversible Binomials are word pairs that always situate themselves side by side while being used in speech or script. There is a handful of those present in the English language. This article will explain and categorize different types of binomials so that they can be exemplified and explained in further detail.

What is Irreversible Binomial

The word, "Binomial" stands for “a sum of two words” as “bi” indicates two. It is widely used in Mathematics to address paired-up terms in Algebra. In English Linguistics and Stylistics, Irreversible Binomials signify pairs of words that are teamed up based on some kind of connection between them. They belong to the same Parts of Speech.

Only by being used in pairs and in one specific order can they convey the entirety of the expression without sounding a little off to trained ears. What order will they be used in and with the use of what conjunctions would depend on how the native speakers have been using them over the years.

The natives have nearly no trouble learning them since they see and hear them used in the right order from birth. They can intuitively realize when the words are used in the "wrong" order. In most cases, messing up the order does not alter their meaning or make them confusing in any way.

For example, the pair, “fire and ice” can be mistaken by the new users or learners of English as - “ice and fire” since there is no particular obligation according to the English grammar to always say “fire” before ice.

Irreversible Binomials are also called Binomials, Nonreversible Word Pairs, Binomial Expressions etc. They are in many ways very similar to Collocations in nature.

Types of Irreversible Binomials

There are a large number of binomials in the English language. They can be categorized into a few different types and subtypes based on a number of similarities or the conjunctive words used.

Related Pairs

The irreversible binomial pairs under this type have some kind or relation with the words they are paired with. The relations range from logic, same or opposite meanings, usage in legal registers etc. Let’s take a look at these types of binomials along with sufficient examples aiding to their understandability -

1. Logical Binomials

Logical Binomials are usually word pairs that are used in a logical order. To explain logical order, one must take note of what comes before what is among the words. In the case of some of these binomials, one must take note of how they conform to the particular order. Examples -

2. Antonym Binomials

Antonym Binomials are two words that are opposite to or antonyms of one another in sense. In most cases, they are linked with some manner of conjunction to complete the meaning. Examples -

3.   Synonym Binomials

Here, the word pairs are made of synonymous terms or words that indicate the same or similar things. Synonym Binomials usually emphasize one particular sense with a pair of terms. Examples -

4.   Alliterated Binomials

Alliterated Binomials are based on alliteration or words that start with the same consonant sound. These alliterated binomials almost sound rhythmic because of the repetitive sounds. A few alliterated binomials are listed below along with their meanings-

5.   Similar Sounding Binomials

These binomials are usually very similar sounding in nature and they almost always end with the same sound. Do check out the examples below -

6.   Legal doublets

Legal doublets are two legal terms from the English Legal Register paired up in a logical order and most frequently with the use of the conjunction, “and.” Examples -

Conjunctions Binding the Pairs

Irreversible Binomials are often paired with the help of conjunctions between them. They can be classified based on whether there are conjunctions binding them together or not.

1.   With Conjunctions

There is a huge number of binomials that are linked with conjunctions or linkers. Based on what conjunction is used, these sets of binomials are divided into three distinct sections.

• And

A large number of binomials in the English language are linked with the help of the conjunction, “And.” No matter what they are paired up with, these word pairs are always linked with the use of “and.” That means they are somehow similar in nature. Let’s take a look at a few examples -

•  Or

Another popular conjunction to link the binomials is the conjunction, “Or.” It should come second only to “And” based on how frequently it is used to link binomials in general. Being linked with “Or,” these word pairs usually have opposite senses and portray an either-or situation in language. Below are a few irreversible word pairs connected with, “Or” -                       

•   Nor

The binomials linked with “Nor” usually pose neither-nor situations constructed by opposing sets of terms (logically or in their use) which by definition are negative in nature. Some example are listed below -       

2.   Without Conjunctions

The Irreversible Binomials are not always linked with the use of conjunctions. So they can be categorized in this section not depending on the types of words used in the pair or the relation between them. It only depends on the fact that they do not have any linking words binding them. Examples -

Binomials or word pairs are used in everyday English language in plenty. The irreversible ones require a little more attention to detail when you are a non -native speaker of the language. Knowing to use them in the right pairs is highly important when collaborating with native speakers or just for the sake of using the language fluently or with authority. Fluency is directly proportional to building confidence in using it flexibly.